Things to do in Cuenca

What to see and do in Cuenca.

There are over 50 churches and monasteries and many museums in Cuenca.  We also have some great Panama Hat factories and great markets to visit.  But one of my favorite pastimes is visiting the many restaurants in and around Cuenca.  You certainly won’t go hungry in this city.

Times can sometimes change for visiting hours so please check before hand.

Parque Calderon

Situated in the middle of the old town in between the Old and the New Cathedral.  It is a great meeting place for many.

Old Cathedral (El Saguaro)

Corner of Mariscal Sucre and Luis Cordero.

New Cathedral (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception)

Easily recognized by its blue and white domes it found on the corner of Mariscal Sucre and Benigno Malo.

All Saints Church (Iglesia de Todos los Santos)

One of the oldest churches in Cuenca.  Located at the junction of Calle Larga and Bajada de Todos los Santos.

El Carmen de Asunción Church and Monastery

Near the main square and also the daily flower markets.  This is a must see unchanged from its original condition in the seventeenth century.

Central Bank Museum

Here you will find Ecuador’s history of currency.  Also a display of some Inca ruins.  Located at Hayna Capac Ave across from Calle Larga.  Hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mon – Fri and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturdays.  The last time I checked fees were $3 for adults and $1.50 for children.

Modern Art Museum

Located at the corner of Calle Sucre and Coronel Talbot, this museum is open on Mondays to Fridays from 8 am – 1pm and 3 pm – 6.30 pm.

Museum of Indigenous Cultures

Located in Calle Larga 5 -34 and open Mon – Frid – 8.30 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p...m.

Municipal Museum Remigio Crespo Toral

Named after the famous poet, Remigio Crespo Toral, this museum displays an interesting collection of gold objects from the Chordeleg and Cañari cultures. For those wanting to know more about the history of the city, you can also learn about the city’s foundation and independence from the Spaniards. The museum also has an assortment of colonial paintings and religious art. Visiting hours are 8:30 am – 1 pm and 3 pm –6.30 Monday to Friday, and 10 am to 1 pm on Saturdays.

Weekly Market

Market day is Thursday. Find fresh produce, meat, fish, and poultry, as well as gold and silver filigree jewelry, wool sweaters, leather goods, ceramics, and traditional weavings. If you can’t attend the Thursday fair, come out to the smaller Saturday market for some good deals. Location: main squares 9 de octubre and 10 de agosto.

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